Job Details

Type: Adjunct/Part-Time (Visiting Assistant Professor – 100% FTE)
Salary: $76,389 per year
Posted: 11/11/2025
Application Deadline: December 12, 2025, 6:00 pm CST
Location: Music and Performing Arts Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Appointment: 12-month, visiting faculty appointment; renewable annually for three years; potential for permanent appointment in the University Library
Work Arrangement: Primarily on-campus; hybrid options may be considered

Position Overview

The Music & Performing Arts Special Collections Librarian is responsible for curating and stewarding MPAL’s Special Collections, increasing accessibility and engagement, supporting research, teaching, and public services, and mentoring student employees. The role combines professional library work with faculty responsibilities and active participation in scholarly and outreach activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, assess, and document MPAL Special Collections holdings

• Recommend strategic directions for collection development, preservation, and digitization

• Contribute to cataloging, including rare music materials (e.g., RISM)

• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate student assistants

• Engage in instruction, outreach, and public engagement via exhibits, events, and class sessions

• Provide reference services and support local and remote users

• Liaise with other library units regarding care and use of Special Collections

• Serve on library committees and professional organizations

• Conduct scholarly research projects individually or collaboratively

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and/or Information Science or equivalent

• Bachelor’s degree in a music discipline

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Commitment to advancing the University Library’s national and international reputation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in music and performing arts library collections

• Knowledge of rare books and archival collections

• Cataloging experience

• Academic library reference and outreach experience

• Experience with exhibits, project management, and workflow documentation

Terms & Benefits

• Non-tenure track, visiting faculty (bargained NTFC position)

• 12-month appointment with 24 vacation days, 11 paid holidays, 12 sick days (plus 13 additional non-cumulative sick days if needed)

• Health insurance with co-payment; optional coverage for spouse/dependents

• Required participation in State Universities Retirement System (SURS, 8% salary withheld)

• Eligible for full university benefits including Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Tuition Waivers

Campus & Community

• Urbana-Champaign is a major public land-grant university with over 34,000 undergraduates and 21,000 graduate/professional students

• The library system includes 90 faculty, 300+ staff, and extensive collections of print, digital, and manuscript materials

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit via University of Illinois Jobs Portal:

1. Cover letter

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Names and email addresses of four professional references

Contact for questions:

• Search Coordinator: Aneitre Johnson, 217-265-0244

• Application process inquiries: 217-333-2137

Equal Opportunity Employer: University embraces diversity and inclusivity; accommodations available under ADA.